More than 30 banned from pubs in Oswestry

Thefts, drug use and assaults on staff have all led to the bans from 18 pubs involved in the town's Pubwatch Scheme.

Many have also had extended bans for constant attempt to breach the ruling.

The annual meeting of the Oswestry Pubwatch heard from its chairman, Hannah Hewish, that it had been a good year for the scheme.

We have been fortunate in our successful bid for £800 from the Police and Crime Commissioner to subsidise the 10 members who are involved in the Pubwatch Radio Scheme.

"There has been a lot of feedback received around these radios and we look to continue to develop the relationship between ourselves and the police to ensure the radios are used to maximum efficiency and bring further benefits to the licensees who operate them."

Drug swipes handed out to Pubwatch members have also been a success.

"The drug detection wipes were purchased from the bid entered to The Community Safety Partnership and have had a positive feedback. This has had a beneficial impact, especially amongst the later night venues with licensees and security."

"Since our last annual meeting we have added 21 individuals to the banned list for Oswestry with ban lengths ranging from six months to five years to cover a spectrum of incidents from theft to drug use or assaults on staff. It brings the total number of people banned to 36.

"It also includes extended bans for serial attempts to breach bans which I feel lends itself to show how Pubwatch can hold an impact for those issued with bans, with individuals being reported and actions taken accordingly.

"With our continued vigilance we are ensuring the effectiveness of these bans, making sure Pubwatch in Oswestry continues to work and benefit those involved."

We hope to rely upon the continued support of all our members to secure Oswestry’s Pubwatch.

A report conducted by Leeds Metropolitan University, which was commissioned by National Pubwatch showed that 76 per cent of local authorities, 70 per cent of police, and 70 per cent of licensees, believe Pubwatch to be contributing to a safer drinking environment in the areas in which they operate.

"They also point to a decrease in anti-social behaviour in the wider localities as a result of effective schemes and closer partnership working."